Luxury Hotel in Milan Gets a Design Refresh With Top Italian Design Brands

Quietly luxurious and uber elegant, the Baglioni Hotel Carlton is just steps off of one of the world’s most expensive shopping streets in Milan. The hotel has always been an exclusive retreat for discerning guests, but now it also boasts interiors designed by Italy’s Jumbo Group featuring collections from Jumbo and Gianfranco Ferre Home.

The entrance is a quiet refuge in a bustling area of Milan.
The entrance is a quiet refuge in a bustling area of Milan.

For luxury fans, the Jumbo Collection and Ferre names are synonymous with superior refinement and unparalleled quality. Now, guests at the Baglioni can enjoy this special luxury. The project reinterpreted the rooms of the “Montenapoleone Terrace Suite,” which is the hotel’s most exclusive accommodation, using furnishings from the Jumbo Collection. It also re-imagined the Caffé Baglioni with designs from Gianfranco Ferre Home. Both areas were designed by Jumbo Group Creative Director Livio Ballabio. Founded in 1985, the Jumbo Collection is wholly designed and produced in Italy and is widely known for its elegant furnishings done in a classic style with quality craftsmanship.

Connected by a pedestrian walkway to the famous Via della Spiga, the Baglioni Hotel Carlton offers rooms and suites that have amazing private terraces, ideal for enjoying the view of the city. Among the public areas of the hotel is the Caffè Baglioni, known for its authentic Milanese Aperitivo. The cafe got a very elegant Milanese-style upgrade with Gianfranco Ferré Home collection furnishings.

Ferre's Kaliope Suspension Lights hang along the coffered ceiling.
Ferre’s Kaliope Suspension Lights hang along the coffered ceiling.

Throughout the space, lighting is in the style of the 1950s and the refined accessories and furniture enhance the grand area. The armchairs are a “Baglioni special edition,” featuring a silhouette that envelopes the person in the seat. The lines and contours of the seat are highlighted with the fabrics chosen both for the floral chairs and the blue-gray chairs that mix textiles with Italian leather.

Custom tables are drafted from chords that create the illusion of a refined grosgrain finish, a technique repeated for the wallcoverings. Grey intermingled with “air force” blue shades created a distinctive hue that pairs well with the overall gray and black color palette in the cafe. The colors give Caffè Baglioni a masculine feeling, somewhat reminiscent of a classic cigar room from the 1950s.

Custom pieces mixed with items from the collection make a unique, elegant interior.
Custom pieces mixed with items from the collection make a unique, elegant interior.

Designers placed Ferre’s two-part Psycho Bookcase at the center of the space. It’s an imposing piece that has an Asian-inspired sculptural design consisting of two symmetrical pieces. Visually, the case creates a divider in the space, with its size magnified by the placement on both wides of a wide pillar.

Shades of gray with a touch of muted floral still portray a masculine vibe.
Shades of gray with a touch of muted floral still portray a masculine vibe.

The style of the cafe is said to reflect the “true essence of Milan lifestyle,” which is one that is expressed with culture and refined taste but in a contemporary style. The new look for the space was launched during Milan’s Fall Design Week 2018. In honor of the new partnership, the hotel created a special, inspired by the designer, called the Ferrè Martini. The beverage is a sophisticated concoction of St-Germain, Marconi Gin, Cointreau and lime, served to welcome guests who are staying in the new Montenapoleone Terrace Suite.

Textural fabric and leather chairs are highlighted by the brass base.
Textural fabric and leather chairs are highlighted by the brass base.
Glass table tops reflect the elegant lamps overhead.
Glass table tops reflect the elegant lamps overhead.
The King's Cross sofa has classic Chesterfield tufting.
The King’s Cross sofa has classic Chesterfield tufting.

A luxurious sitting area is included in the public space, which is ideal for relaxing or waiting for a guest. The tufted Chesterfield sofas fit in with the more masculine look of the cafe area and are a classic choice. More modern elements like the black armchairs and square coffee table keep the look fresh and new instead of veering into a more conservative look.

The luxe headboard with folding side panels is distinctive.
The luxe headboard with folding side panels is distinctive.

The jewel in the hotel’s crown is the Montenapoleone Terrace Suite. This fashionable accommodation covers 120 square meters plus 60 square meters of terrace overlooking the Via della Spiga.  The interior is an homage to Italian craftsmanship: The apartment is done in a delicate color palette with shades of beige and olive green, embellished with golden touches. The refined setting was made current with furnishings from the Jumbo Collection, which is a classic line ideal for presenting the highest level concept of luxury in a bright and contemporary way.

Throughout the apartment, refined materials are used to highlight the brand’s exquisite craftsmanship. The variety of elements come together in a bespoke interior that cuts across defining lines, with oriental and French inspirations melded into an eclectic mix. The resulting interior is an entirely new expression classic style. In addition to the furnishings, accessories and touches of special materials include unique styles of marble, such as cloudy onyx, and crystal.

Every material and finish in the room is luxurious.
Every material and finish in the room is luxurious.
Despite the old-world feel, the room includes some modern pieces like this bedside lamp and the fur throw.
Despite the old-world feel, the room includes some modern pieces like this bedside lamp and the fur throw.
A floor lamp has an elegant brass base with leaf details.
A floor lamp has an elegant brass base with leaf details.
A magnificent sitting room is with opulent furniture is part of the suite.
A magnificent sitting room is with opulent furniture is part of the suite.
The Jumbo Collection chairs have wonderful tufted, fan-shaped backs.
The Jumbo Collection chairs have wonderful tufted, fan-shaped backs.
The mossy green shade of fabric on the chairs is handsome and tasteful.
The mossy green shade of fabric on the chairs is handsome and tasteful.
Opulent details can be found on every piece in the room.
Opulent details can be found on every piece in the room.
The dining set features a table with a curved, three "legged" base.
The dining set features a table with a curved, three “legged” base.

The Montenapoleone Terrace Suite also includes a junior suite that is furnished with pieces from Gianfranco Ferré Home. The color palette in this suite includes of beige, brown and bronze. The soft, earthy colors are enhanced with materials that have great tactile sensation such as leather and velvet. The sum total is a serene and delicate space that is eminently comfortable for guests.

The junior suite is more contemporary than the main bedroom suite.
The junior suite is more contemporary than the main bedroom suite.
Neutral colors blend well and create a serene environment.
Neutral colors blend well and create a serene environment.
Small details such as the curve of the console and elegant base on the pouf are immediately noticeable.
Small details such as the curve of the console and elegant base on the pouf are immediately noticeable.
The Ferre brand label can be seen on the pillows.
The Ferre brand label can be seen on the pillows.